Royal connections in Surrey churches

Discover the town of Esher, its numerous historic connections and how royalty has influenced local church design.

Our first stop on this coach tour will be Old St George’s Church, Esher. Dating from 1540s, has wonderful 18th-century furnishings and a private pew designed by the Blenheim Palace architect, John Vanbrugh.

The next visit will be to Christ Church, Esher. Explore this mid-19th century church, which includes two grand monuments to relatives of Queen Victoria.

After this the tour will then stop at St George’s Church, Esher. Locally known as the “Tin Church” consists of a corrugated iron exterior, with wooden interior panelling.

Finally we will then explore Claremont House, Esher. Accompany the Resident Historian on a tour of this 18th-century Palladian mansion, now operating as a school, sitting alongside a National Trust garden.

Travel: Depart Esher train station at 10:00, returning by 16:30.